Posted on 05/28/2020 10:50:50 AM PDT by Jeff Chandler
This weekend, May 16-17, we will begin to offer a full schedule of Masses at St. Mary and St. Juan Diego churches. However seating is restricted to just 25% in the church. At St. Mary's, we will be able to seat 125 people in the church, 10 in the chapel, and 50 in the Hall. At St. Juan Diego, we will be able to seat 250 in the church, 50 in the chapel, and 10 in the Tepeyac Room.
Everyone, 3 years and older, is required to wear a mask when in the church, except when receiving communion. Because seating is restricted, please follow directions from our Ushers.
We will still offer Communion to those who are not yet ready to attend a public mass. Watch a live-streamed Mass on YouTube or Facebook or a televised Mass. St. Mary's will have Communion available in the Hall after each Mass. At St. Juan Diego, Communion will be served in the church, through the double West doors, after each Mass.
(Excerpt) Read more at stmarychandler.org ...
Holy Communion will only be served in the hand at St Mary's and St Juan Diego churches. While we understand that many prefer to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, please know that this decision was made to help our Priests, Deacons, and Lay Ministers of Holy Communion and our Parish community to remain as safe as possible. Below is a statement shared by the Vicar for Priests, Rev. David Sanfilippo:
"Recent scientific literature has made us aware that the COVID-19 virus is present in high concentrations in saliva that is why the salivary test is being made known and is being published in peer reviewed journals. With the distribution of Holy Communion on the tongue, it places the faithful, vulnerable people and ministers at risk if a minister were inadvertently to come into contact with saliva. Considering this new knowledge, Bishop Olmsted is asking to please encourage the faithful, for the time being, to receive in the hand. This shows no lack of reverence or understanding of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ in the Eucharist. But it is important for the common good and the safety of the community."
Masses are available via YouTube-Catholic Media Ministry https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRWvFkF1jifw-FB2QO6yrUw or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/catholicmediaministry/.
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THANK YOU to all who are mailing or dropping off your Sunday offerings! We are truly blessed with a generous faith family. You may also use a credit card or checking account to make your Sunday offerings. To submit an online donation to either church, the capital campaign, St Vincent de Paul, or Catholic Charities, Click on this link: DONATIONS
Now is the time that defines what we believe. Jesus, heal my heart and grant me peace of mind.
You really live in CHANDLER, Az?
And my name is Jeff.
No masks
Everyone, 3 years and older, is required to wear a mask when in the church, except when receiving communion.
Bull Schiff. Churches are permitted to open only under restrictions that the state imposes. Adhering to the state religion is apostasy and Thou Art Anethema..
Imagine if Jesus had said to the multitude: “We only have bread and fishes to feed a small number of people. The rest of you will have to hungry. Sorry, but that’s the rules, according to the authorities.”
Are you proposing that cooperating with temporary Arizona Department of Health Services restrictions is some kind of betrayal of Christian principles, that Christian churches are called to continue, business as usual, throughout the lock down?
I’m just trying to understand your positions.
“Those would trade freedom for security, deserve neither.” Benjamin Franklin. Allowing the state to dictate religious liberty (% capacity, opening, safety precautions, etc.) is most certainly a betrayal of Christian principles. Churches are needed most during a crisis, not less. Churches remained open during the Black Plague, so why not now? Church leaders have become fat and soft.
That is my position.
This is similar to what’s being done in my parish, beginning last Sunday. We are holding the Sacraments of Initiation for our RCIA group this Saturday evening. Only the candidates, their families, etc., will be physically present, but the service will be on the streaming vid.
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